These days, naturopathy practitioners are increasingly making use of mud or moistened earth for treating various health problems. It has been found to be effective in curing a wide variety of disorders, such as conjunctivitis, congestion, headaches, skin problems, glaucoma etc. Mud therapy in naturopathy involves scientific use of moistened earth in a proper manner, so as to benefit the body from within. Read on and find out how it actually works.

PREPARATION OF MUD PACK

Mud packs are made with clay that is obtained from 10 centimeters under the earth. It is made sure that the mud does not contain pebbles, compost or any impurities. It is poured into warm water to form a smooth paste. The mixture is left to stand in order to cool and spread afterwards into a cloth strip that can vary in size as per needs. Generally, black soil from around water bodies is regarded as suitable for mud therapy.

HOW IS IT APPLIED?

Cooled mud is poured into a cloth strip and made into a bandage. This is placed over the affected area of the body, and covered with a protective material such as flannel. For adults, the mud pack can be around 20 X 10 X 2.5 cm in dimensions. The dimensions of the mud treatment cloth should vary on the basis of the patients needs. The body region that is to be treated thus has to be fomented at first for around 5 or 10 minutes until it is heated up well enough. It is then that mud is directly applied over the affected area for 5 – 15 minutes, based on the response that is needed.

WHY IT WORKS?

Excess amount of heat places stress on the system and gives rise to various disorders. Soil is found to retain moisture for a longer period, and when applied on the body it can cool down the system. It technically soaks up heat from the system. It is found to be effectual in eliminating excess heat from the body. It helps in the degeneration of morbid matter.

HOW MUD THERAPY BENEFIT?

Mud therapy treatment has a wide range of benefits for the health ( Source ). Its application has been found to be useful in treating constipation, lumbago, abdominal cramps, chronic pains, influenza, rheumatism, gout, liver and kidney ailments, enteritis, colitis, amoebasis etc. It is also recommended for curing inflammation, eye problems, headache, toothache, headache and general painful conditions.

Reference :
#1. clinicaltrials.gov
#2. science.gov